Since his youth, Robert France has been fascinated with numerous types of adventures and ideologies, including medieval times, pilgrimages and archeology.

"The first time I saw a castle, even a fake one in Toronto when I was 12, I became interested in medieval times. The whole Robin Hood thing and children's stories from that time period ... I've never grown out of that," said France of Truro.

And then there was the time, as a teenager in Manitoba, that digging in a relative's backyard resulted in an interesting find.

"I found an Indian arrowhead. I almost became an archeologist; I'm still fascinated with it."

France has enjoyed a variety of exciting excursions throughout his life - from mountain climbing in the Yukon to three-week canoe trips in Manitoba and sleeping among pyramids in Egypt. However, going on a pilgrimage continues to be one of France's favourite pastimes.

Up next is a three-week pilgrimage in the United Kingdom, beginning Monday. France will be going on an estimated 400-km pilgrimage walk in Wales, along the Welsh border, into Shrewsbury and Bath.

"It's peaceful and incredible ... it's like a mental and physical purging and a way to slow down in a chaotic life," said France. "The first couple of days will be a challenge because they are the steepest (terrains)."

That doesn't scare France, though. After all, he has travelled the world looking at historic sites and in the last five years alone he's walked about 2,500 kms throughout Europe. He often walks six or more hours a day during his excursions.

France expects to visit eight holy wells along the way as well as other archeological finds and historical sites. One in particular he anticipates will be a phenomenal sighting will be St. Winefride's Well and Chapel in Holywell, North Wales. The legend of St. Winefride tells how in 660 AD, Caradoc, the son of a local prince, severed the head of the young Winefride after she spurned his advances. According to the story, a spring rose from the ground at the spot where her head fell.

In addition to walking among such historical sites, France believes his trip will also be the topic of his next book, Godspeed. He has already written 10 books related to water, and two books about his previous pilgrimages. The first one was Ultreia! Onward! Progress of the Pilgrim 2007; and the other is about to be published in the U.K. detailing his Spanish excursion.

Source: Truro Daily News [Cornwall], 16 April 2010

Author:

rik_na1 [ Fri Jun 25, 2010 4:15 am ]

Post subject:

Re: PILGRIM TO TAKE IN HOLY WELLS

Very interesting, I have not come accross this guy before your post.

Also there is a regular pilgimage that goes this same route. There is a long story there, ask me about it some day. Also, 8 wells, really, only 8?

Author:

StoneRoad [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:30 pm ]

Post subject:

Re: PILGRIM TO TAKE IN HOLY WELLS

Missed this as I haven't been visiting on here for a while.

However, I hope the Pilgrim in the OP completed his planed expedition, and achieved his aims.

I would have wished him all the best, but that'll have to be in retrospect, now.